Arkansas House Bill HR1021

Arkansas 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22
• Failed: 3/15/22

Caption

To Amend The Rules Of The House Of Representatives Of The Ninety-third General Assembly.

Impact

The proposed changes in HR1021 will primarily affect how leadership positions are filled within the Legislative Council and the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee. Notably, the bill stipulates that the Speaker of the House will select the co-chairs and co-vice-chairs, streamlining the selection process and ensuring that majority party members occupy these key positions. This effectively consolidates power and enhances the ability of the majority to control committee leadership, reflecting broader trends in legislative management.

Summary

House Resolution 1021 aims to amend the rules governing the House of Representatives of the Ninety-Third General Assembly. The bill focuses on the process for selecting co-chairs and co-vice-chairs for both the Legislative Council and the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee. By modifying these procedures, HR1021 intends to provide clearer guidelines on the selection process and ensure that specific roles are filled in a manner consistent with the majority party's representation.

Contention

Controversy surrounding HR1021 may arise from its implications for minority party representation and the overall balance of power within the legislative structure. Critics could argue that by centralizing the selection of co-chairs in the hands of the majority party, the bill risks undermining bipartisan cooperation and marginalizing diverse perspectives in these committees. The potential exclusion of minority members from these influential roles may lead to concerns over equitable governance and the representation of all constituents.